Top 10 Greatest Indian Cricket Matches That Made History

By Harshit - Sep 25, 2025 06:07 PM
Last updated on Sep 25, 2025 06:08 PM

Indian cricket is more than just a sport — it is a saga of resilience, belief, and unforgettable victories that have united millions. Over the decades, the Indian team has produced moments that transcended boundaries, etched into the nation’s collective memory. From lifting the World Cup against all odds in 1983 to breaching Australia’s Gabba fortress in 2021, these matches are reminders of the indomitable spirit of Indian cricket.

Each of these encounters carries a unique legacy — some were emotional victories in times of national grief, others were improbable comebacks that stunned the world, and many became stepping stones to India’s rise as a cricketing powerhouse. Here is a chronological journey through the Top 10 Greatest Indian Cricket Matches of All Time, ranked from the most recent to the oldest.

10. 2021 Test — India vs Australia, The Gabba, Brisbane

The 2021 Gabba Test was the ultimate demonstration of India’s resilience. Ravaged by injuries and without their regular captain Virat Kohli, India fielded a young side against Australia at their fortress, where they had not lost a Test in 32 years. Chasing 328 in the fourth innings, Shubman Gill’s fluent 91 gave India hope, Cheteshwar Pujara’s grit absorbed blows, and Rishabh Pant’s fearless 89* sealed the historic victory by 3 wickets.

This win handed India a 2–1 series triumph and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest away victories in cricket history.

9. 2016 T20 World Cup — India vs Bangladesh, Bengaluru

In one of the most dramatic T20I finishes ever, India edged out Bangladesh by just 1 run. Defending a modest 146, India looked set for defeat as Bangladesh needed 2 runs from 3 balls. Hardik Pandya held his nerve to deliver two wickets, and with 2 required off the last ball, MS Dhoni sprinted to the stumps to run out Mustafizur Rahman.

The thrilling finish kept India’s tournament hopes alive and cemented Dhoni’s reputation as the coolest finisher in world cricket.

8. 2012 Commonwealth Bank Series — India vs Sri Lanka, Hobart

Virat Kohli played one of his greatest ODI innings when India chased down 321 against Sri Lanka in just 36.4 overs to stay alive in the tri-series. Kohli’s unbeaten 133 off 86 balls was filled with elegant strokes and brutal hitting, especially against Lasith Malinga.

This innings not only showed Kohli’s mastery in run-chases but also announced him as India’s next big match-winner.

7. 2011 World Cup Final — India vs Sri Lanka, Wankhede, Mumbai

The 2011 World Cup final was a dream come true for millions of Indians. Chasing 275, India lost Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar early, but Gautam Gambhir’s 97 steadied the innings. Captain MS Dhoni, promoting himself up the order, anchored the chase with a majestic 91*. His iconic six over long-on sealed India’s second World Cup win.

This victory on home soil ended a 28-year wait and created an unforgettable night of celebration across the nation.

6. 2007 T20 World Cup Final — India vs Pakistan, Johannesburg

The inaugural T20 World Cup final was a nerve-wracking clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Gautam Gambhir’s steady 75 set up a total of 157, but Pakistan fought back strongly in the chase. With 13 required off the last over, MS Dhoni handed the ball to Joginder Sharma, whose nervy deliveries led to Misbah-ul-Haq’s fateful scoop into Sreesanth’s hands.

India won by 5 runs, launching a new era of T20 cricket and MS Dhoni’s legendary captaincy career.

5. 2002 NatWest Series Final — India vs England, Lord’s

Chasing 326 in the NatWest Series final, India seemed down and out at 146/5. Then came Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif, who scripted an extraordinary recovery. Yuvraj’s 69 and Kaif’s unbeaten 87 carried India over the line in a thrilling finish.

The match became even more iconic with Sourav Ganguly’s shirt-waving celebration from the Lord’s balcony, symbolizing India’s new fearless attitude in world cricket.

4. 2001 Test — India vs Australia, Eden Gardens, Kolkata

After following on against Australia, India staged one of the greatest comebacks in Test history. VVS Laxman’s sublime 281 and Rahul Dravid’s gritty 180 turned the match around with a 376-run stand. Harbhajan Singh’s famous hat-trick and crucial wickets sealed a 171-run win.

This match ended Australia’s record winning streak and marked a turning point in India’s Test cricket dominance.

3. 1998 Independence Cup Final — India vs Pakistan, Dhaka

In a high-voltage clash against Pakistan, India chased down a then-record 315 in the Independence Cup final. Sourav Ganguly’s fluent 124 and Robin Singh’s valuable 82 ensured India crossed the line in dramatic fashion.

The win was historic not just for the chase but also because it came in a tournament commemorating 50 years of India’s independence.

2. 2008 Chennai Test — India vs England, Chennai

Coming just weeks after the tragic Mumbai terror attacks, the Chennai Test carried heavy emotional weight. England set India a daunting 387 to win, but Virender Sehwag’s whirlwind 83 laid the foundation for a chase that seemed impossible.

Sachin Tendulkar anchored the innings with an unbeaten century, guiding India to a 6-wicket win. The match became a symbol of resilience and healing for the nation.

1. 1983 World Cup Final — India vs West Indies, Lord’s

India’s first World Cup triumph remains its most iconic. Up against the dominant West Indies, India scored only 183 runs, but their bowlers turned the game on its head. Mohinder Amarnath’s all-round brilliance and Kapil Dev’s legendary catch to dismiss Viv Richards sealed the win by 43 runs.

This victory redefined Indian cricket, proving that even underdogs could become world champions.

Summary Table of Matches

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